If the start of school Aug. 6 indicates summer is over, perhaps everyone will breathe a sigh of relief. What a summer in El Paso County: a record fire and record heat. The ìdog daysî of August have been with us all summer.Coloradoans will also remember a summer marred by the mass killings in Aurora last month. The loss of so many young people is unimaginable.In the midst of tragedy, there are stories of people helping people. And in this monthís NFH, we highlight Falcon firefighters and their role battling the Waldo Canyon Fire. We also feature a few other groups that donated time and money to help the victims of the fire.I am excited that we are welcoming back our monthly book review. Yes, Kathy Hare is back with a bang! This month, Kathy reviews a book by a Colorado Springs reporter/writer ñ and itís a must read, especially for soldiers and their families. Kathy also has been busy writing her own book. ìBuckled in the Denver Basinî by Kathy is available electronically on Amazon. The title has already piqued my interest.To recognize a new school year, we bring readers an article on Falcon School District 49ís innovation status. Our goal is to educate the community about the unique aspects of the innovation concept. This month, we have a new column. Dr. Jim Humphries, veterinarian, will provide insight and advice about manís best friends!Welcome to three new writers: Robin Widmar, who will be covering the Falcon Fire Protection District and other stories; Alli Griffin and Jason Gray ñ both will be covering Falcon news beginning in September.On a melancholy note, we say good-bye to Kathy Wallace, who has been our ace writer for eight years. Kathy has been our ìgo toî person for stories, columns and research in the community. Kathy will keep writing her ìHistorical Perspectivesî column but a new adventure awaits her and takes her away from other NFH duties. A big thanks from me, Kathy, for your dedication to the NFH.Thatís it. Have a safe August, and best of luck this year to D 49 students, teachers ñ and parents!See you in September,– Michelle
